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In the Good Times and Bad

By on November 23, 2009 in Faith, Family, Fun

God is ever faithful.

Though there have been huge “bad” things in my life over the last year, I’d still characterize my life as mostly “good” over that same time period. And there is only one reason why: God’s presence in my life.

Another hard thing has been tossed my way. Not directly on my nuclear family, but attached to someone whom I love and am close to, so it hurts my heart.

I’m standing in the eye of the storm. All around me swirls a world of hurt and pain and lies straight from hell. This tornado has sucked up person after person that I love, and I see them spinning around and around. But I sit in the calm and safety of the eye. With nothing I can do except pray that they find their own place of comfort and rest. A spot where no matter what tough things hit them, they know the Lord will provide the strength and solace to get through them.

If you are a person who talks to Jesus, please pray for the latest crisis hitting a loved one. Thank you!

But there are good times as well. I have blog after blog written in my head about all the wonderful things that I’ve enjoyed lately, but I think I’ll let pictures speak for themselves. (I worked full-time hours last week and will be subbing today as well, so the blogs have stayed in my head instead of making their way to this tiny part of cyberspace.)

A wild housewarming/birthday party where not only did Andrea get whipcreamed …
 
But Joshua did too!
 
Mom and I spoke at True Vine in McMinnville about being thankful for hard things
 
That night, the Redeemed Writers Critique Group went up to Woodlands, WA to eat …
 
And watch our talent Kristen Johnson in Steel Magnolias
 
 
Holding my adorable nephew, Johnathan
 
and celebrating my niece’s 15th birthday. Cassie, my girl, you a precious gift and are loved exactly as you are!
 
Today’s activity: five families over after church for a BBQ and Wii games, including action shots of bowling
 

6 Responses to In the Good Times and Bad

  1. 123 123 November 23, 2009 at 5:53 am #

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  2. T. Anne November 23, 2009 at 8:31 am #

    I’m sorry for the hardships. I really felt them as well all of 2009 not too sorry to see this year go. Hugs. XOXO

  3. Susan J. Reinhardt November 23, 2009 at 5:24 pm #

    Hi Christina –

    It’s sometimes harder to watch others go through painful times than to experience them ourselves. By praying, you’re doing the most important thing you can for them.

    Great pics! Love the whipped cream ones, but don’t think I’d want to be on the receiving end. 🙂

    Blessings,
    Susan

  4. quietspirit November 23, 2009 at 5:53 pm #

    Christina:
    We have times where we cann’t do anything but pray. I discovered this truth a few years ago and I find it frees me from worry, from stress, and from making a mess of things.

  5. Sherrie Ashcraft November 24, 2009 at 8:01 am #

    Yes, honey, even in the “bad” there is much “good.” Sometimes we have to search for it, but it’s there.

    Love you soooo much,
    Mom

  6. Nikole Hahn November 30, 2009 at 12:57 pm #

    I know what you are feeling. I’ve been where you are over the course of a couple of years, standing in the midst of a rain wrapped tornado and I can’t see the end of it. The one thing we can count on and know is when we hand over the reins of our problems to Jesus, He’ll do some pretty might things to keep your spirits up and defend you. Just watch. You’ll see. It’s amazing.